Saturday, October 11, 2008

Brendan Kiley of Seattle's the Stranger has written an interesting article that makes some valid points about how theatres can help themselves avoid extinction. I'm always up for "state of the union" talks like these and I think more conversation needs to happen on the subject. Times are getting more and more dire and the arts risk being moved from the backseat and being tied up in the trunk of the car.

I posted a personal response on CTCC (Columbia Theatre Community Central [though I think the final 'C' should stand for Collective]) as to how the suggestions in this article can benefit my hometown of Columbia. Here it is.

"Ah yes...this is the stuff I love to talk about...that which interestsme most these days.

Great article. A lot of valid points. I'm in agreeance on theShakespeare situation. I don't think it should be banned, but I thinkit should have its own little happy land...like Disneyworld. A placewhere you can always go visit it if you want to, but you can alsoavoid it at all costs.

Definitely agree on the premiere thing. Seems like Trustus (includingNiA et al) and the former Imperfect Theatre company are (were) theonly two groups in Columbia doing new work or at least "regionalpremieres". Workshop occasionally pulls out something that hasn't beendone around these parts (a la Urinetown and The Full Monty). This isthe only thing that will keep people coming to the theatre andrevitalize the audience with new, younger theatregoers. I loveWilliams, O'Neill, and Miller, (and hope to do some more of theirwork...soon please!) but that is only going to keep the old veteransin the seats.

Obviously, bringing in a younger audience is something EVERY theatreis currently focusing on (and if you're not...good luck). I thinkthere are MANY ways to do that. Building on the BAR issue...this issomething Mr. Harley and I have talked to great lengths about. Don'tjust give people a place to buy a drink...give them a place tohangout. If only it were possible to have the bar open ALL thetime...to have it as an extra business in addendum to the theatre. TheAnnoyance is a comedy theatre here in Chicago and they have PERFECTEDthe theatre bar. The bar is open every night, regardless of what'sgoing on (though there is ALWAYS something going on there) and the baris open throughout the shows...it opens early and stays open late.It's a phenomenal set up and one that certainly adds to their revenueas well as their audience pool. Furthermore, producing sketch orimprov comedy on a regular basis (we're talking several nights a week)is a GREAT way to bring in younger people and GREAT source of revenue.Comedy is CHEAP to produce and if you build a following (as ArmedChair at Trustus has done), you can make some serious money off of asmall investment. That really adds up.

The Child Care issue is another great point. This is something that isgaining steam here in Chicago. The theatre I was at last night seeingSarah Ruhl's Eurydice (read it) and where I take classes, VictoryGardens, offers child care for their shows. I really think this wouldtake off in Columbia. Theatres, if you have the space, seriouslyconsider a child care program. The article makes a great point for it,serving as a day care (night care?) service as well as a part of youreducation program. Simply brilliant. Get on this immediately. Thereare gains to be had here.

As for the final points...I can't say I encourage dropping out of gradschool. I myself am hoping to avoid grad school. I'd rather just maketheatre (or whatever), but I'm not ruling it out as a stepping stoneon my way to a career. And as far as expecting poverty is concerned,that is simply unacceptable. Financial success is by no meansguaranteed in our business, but financial failure should never be anunavoidable reality. I refuse to accept this and so should you. I knowthe economy is a in a graveyard spiral right now, but there are LOTSof ways to make a living in the arts. I agree that unions hinder usmore than help us (its unfortunate but true...and the unions seemunavoidable if you DO want to make a living in the theatre) andchanges need to be made there. There is money to be made through thearts (though not much!). Poverty is not necessary.

For further reading, I agree with Steven in seeking out Mike Daisey'swritings. He's performing here in Chicago this weekend! He is a greatvoice in the contemporary theatre landscape and he makes a lot ofgreat points about the direction of the art form. Funny enough, hiswebsite currently discusses this same article we are talking about:http://www.mikedaisey.com/

Keep fighting the good fight everybody. If I can help out at all backhome, please do not hesitate to let me know. I'm always ready to helpmy friends."

Furthermore, I saw Eurydice with Daria and Don Hall last night at Victory Gardens and I definitely recommend it. The performances are great and the production value alone is worth the price of admission. Thanks Don!